Marks, a seasoned elementary school teacher, has compiled a valuable resource that will be much appreciated by teachers and school librarians. Her handbook provides details on the history and origins of 24 major children's book awards-from the Jane Addams Book Award to the Charlotte Zolotow Award-and includes lesson plans and student activity sheets for 21 of them. An introductory chapter features a children's book award time line, a list of the birthdays of award namesakes, and suggestions for student activities that can accompany the study of any award. Each of the following 21 chapters is devoted to a single award and follows the same format: an overview, biographical information on the namesake, a time line, award history and criteria, a list of award and honor books through 2005, suggested activities, and student handouts. A final chapter contains information on three additional awards. Some of the suggested student activities are more creative than others, but Marks does a good job of extending the study to include projects dealing with social studies, history, geography, and other disciplines. Teachers and school librarians no doubt will find Marks's book to be at once a source for ready-reference, teaching tips, and professional inspiration. For public librarians, the list of award and honor books, although readily found elsewhere, would be helpful for collection development as this information is here conveniently compiled in one source.

Library Journal

This compilation of children's book awards and their significance is one that librarians and teachers will find useful when talking about and promoting distinctive literature….The handbook is consistent in layout and gives an overview of the basic facts about the awards in an effort to whet readers' appetites and tempt them to conduct further research….Recommended.

Library Media Connection

This is a great resource for both teachers and librarians on children's and young adult literature awards. Marks limited her subject to book awards that have been named for an individual. From beginning to end, this book is packed with information….An excellent bibliography is included, and an extensive index includes all the authors and award books listed. This excellent resource will be appreciated most by teachers and school librarians for its ease of use, but public librarians will also enjoy having information about book awards, with current award lists, in one handy source.

Reference & User Services Quarterly